Beltran, Phillips, Christensen, Recker honored

Connie Beltran, Anna Phillips and Kelly Recker of Fallbrook Union High School and Gini Christensen of Oasis High School found their names “in lights” on the FUHS marquee this week. The four, who were chosen as community Students of the Month, were also honored with special parking privileges as well as a US Savings Bond and other certificates. On Thursday, January 4, a ceremony and breakfast honoring the students was held at Fallbrook Golf Club’s Hukilau restaurant.

Anna Phillips, a junior at FUHS, was given a testimonial by Phil Leonelli, the school’s band director. He told the audience, “Anna Phillips exemplifies the determination and drive of the 85 students in the band and sets an example for the other students.” As the band’s drum major, Phillips is responsible for leading the band and spearheaded an effort to raise funds to send the band to a state competition.

Her mother spoke of Phillips’ leadership qualities and great determination. One FUHS vice principal, Nicole Miller, told Phillips, “You are truly an asset to our school.”

Phillips works with Jerry Donahue’s Mentoring Associates, where she is developing a music branch to the after-school program that targets elementary school and junior high students.

She will attend college and continue band as an extracurricular activity but is unsure of a major at this time.

Kelly Recker, a senior at FUHS, was given a testimonial by English instructor Connie Fellios. “This is a great way to start the year,” she said, “to honor our shining leaders.” Fellios told how Recker has earned a 4.31 GPA, studies in Honors and AP classes and possesses “sophisticated writing skills.” Fellios also mentioned how Recker has the “gift of critical thinking,” is “conscientious and driven” and has a “princess-like grace and dignity.”

Recker serves as ASB Human Relations Representative and has served as co-president of the Model UN and president of the French Club. She also participates in girls track and cross-country. She works as a tutor, plays the piano, is a St. Peter’s Catholic Church Eucharistic Minister and is actively serving with Habitat for Humanity.

Her father mentioned how Recker is “extremely determined,” has an “understanding of God and the Gospels” and “tries to be kind to all.”

In college Recker will major in international relations or foreign affairs.

Connie Beltran, a senior at FUHS, was given a testimonial by instructor Vicki Crouch. “As a freshman, she came to FUHS as a responsible, mature and motivated student with excellent reading and writing skills,” Crouch noted.

Beltran works as an assistant to Crouch and tutors Special Ed freshmen. “She is a quick learner,” said Crouch. “She does things on her own without much direction.” Crouch also mentioned that she is appreciative of all the help that Beltran has given her.

The FUHS ROP childcare teacher, Lita Tobish, mentioned that Beltran has logged 220 hours in volunteer work at the FUHS Child Care Center and possesses a “natural teaching ability.” “She would take over and do an outstanding job,” said Tobish, who also stated that, due to her hard work, Beltran will be a year ahead of the other students when she enters Palomar College.

Beltran is also active in Head Start and volunteers with the Boys & Girls Club. She is interested in pursuing a career as a teacher or x-ray technician.

Oasis High School’s Student of the Month, senior Gini Christensen, was introduced by Principal Lisa Broomfield. She told the audience that Christensen is “a wonderful student with a wonderful GPA.”

Linda Pozanter, a teacher at Oasis, said, “It is a joy to work with kids like Gini. She is an exemplary student, is focused, not afraid of hard work and steps up to the challenge.”

Christensen wrote a “beautiful oral essay” for the VFW Voice of Democracy, said Pozanter. Christensen’s essay, a letter to Holocaust survivors, earned her second place honors.

“She is always compassionate, caring, concerned and an asset to the community,” said Pozanter. “She is always asking, ‘What can I do?’ and ‘How can I help?’”

Christensen’s father added, “She always gets her studies done and is a straight-A student. She has spirit and drive and accomplishes what she wants.”

Christensen has also worked as an Open House volunteer; works at a bowling alley, where she organizes the children’s parties; and is an active member of North Coast Church in Vista. She takes classes at Palomar College and will graduate from high school this month, then attend Palomar full-time.